Offenders may be ordered to be supervised by various agencies during each stage of the criminal court process. On supervision, offenders are expected to follow conditions ordered by the court while living in the community and engaging in general living activities – like working, going to school, or caring for family. The agencies responsible for providing supervision include the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, and the courts. This section will focus on adult supervision. Learn about supervision for cases with youth offenders.
While a case is open, an offender may be supervised by Close Street Supervision or by Pre-trial Services. After a case resolves, the offender may engage in a Diversion Program or be placed on Bench Probation, Formal Probation, Parole, or Post-Prison Supervision. If you would like more information about what type of supervision the offender in your case is on, please call Victim and Survivor Services at 503-988-7606.
Supervision while a case is open
Pre-trial Services and Close Street Supervision
When an offender is taken to jail and is going to be charged with a crime, a risk assessment is completed to try to understand how likely it may be that the offender will engage in new criminal activity and how likely it is that they will appear for future court hearings. Sometimes, the person who completes the risk assessment will reach out to victims to gather information. If you receive communication from anyone during your case, you may ask who they work for and why they are calling you. You can also decide that you want to communicate with them at another time or not at all. If you would like to provide input about specific safety concerns, an advocate can help. Please call the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3222.
At the offender’s arraignment hearing, the judge will make a decision about if the offender will remain in jail or be released. The judge may release them on their own recognizance or to be supervised by a program like Pre-trial Services or Close Street Supervision.
If the offender is released to Pre-trial Services, they will live in the community and receive supervision from a corrections technician from the Department of Community Justice while their case moves through the court process. If released to Close Street Supervision, they will live in the community and be supervised by a corrections deputy from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. The role of corrections technicians and corrections deputies is to provide case management, explain the specific conditions ordered by the judge that the offender must follow, and encourage the offender to appear for court hearings. Both types of supervision may include GPS monitoring.
Supervision after a case resolves
Diversion programs
A diversion program allows eligible offenders to plead guilty or no contest in their case and postpones sentencing while they complete specific requirements like treatment, community service, or educational programs. Because a diversion program postpones sentencing, they can also be called deferred sentencing programs.
The District Attorney’s Office will determine if an offender is eligible to enter a diversion program or not. Usually, offenders are only eligible for a diversion program if they are not charged with a felony or have not been convicted of a similar crime before.
If you would like to request restitution, you will need to provide information to the District Attorney’s Office before an offender enters a diversion program. Learn more about restitution.
If the offender successfully completes the requirements of the program, then the District Attorney’s Office agrees to ask the court to remove the conviction from the offender’s record. If the offender is not successful in following the requirements, then they may be sentenced for the charges they were previously found guilty of, and the conviction is not removed from their record.
While in a diversion program, an offender may report to a probation officer who monitors their progress. The probation officer receives updates on the offender’s participation in treatment, including whether they are engaged and attending required classes.
The Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program (DSP)
One diversion program in Multnomah County is the Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program. The overall goal of the program is to increase survivor and community safety by encouraging positive, long-term behavioral changes. The program is designed to last around one year, though some offenders will finish in less time than that. It is also possible for an offender to be in the program for longer than one year.
Offenders in the program are ordered to attend approved domestic violence intervention treatment. They may also be ordered to complete an assessment for mental health or substance use. If the assessment indicates that the offender needs treatment, a condition of the program is to engage in that treatment as well. GPS monitoring may also be ordered as a condition of the program.
When an offender enters the DSP, the court will schedule future status check hearings where a judge receives information from the probation officer and offender on the status of their conditions. Victims have a right to know when status checks are happening, to attend them, and to share any concerns with the court. The probation officer or District Attorney’s Office can request additional hearings to address concerns. Urgent concerns or violations should be shared with the probation officer or reported to police as soon as possible so that they can be addressed. To share concerns or ask questions about an offender on DSP supervision, contact Victim and Survivor Services at 503-988-7606.
The Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants Diversion Program
In Oregon, it is a law that offenders charged with a crime of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) are offered a diversion program if they meet certain criteria. Offenders are not eligible for this program if the offense involved an accident that caused the death of or injury to another person. If you have been injured as the result of a crime where the offender is charged with DUII, it is important that the District Attorney’s Office is aware of your injuries. Offenders who have been convicted of DUII in the past are not eligible for this program. Offenders may only participate in a diversion program for DUII once.
Repeat DUII offenders may choose to participate in the DUII Intensive Supervision Program (DISP). This program combines treatment with intensive supervision. Offenders are required to have frequent meetings with court-based case managers and may follow conditions like electronic alcohol monitoring, testing, and attending classes. They may also need to pay fees and restitution and engage in general life activities like working or going to school. If you have questions about a case where the offender is on DISP, or about what type of supervision the offender in your case is on, contact Victim and Survivor Services at 503-988-7606.
Specialty court programs
There are programs that may offer alternatives to the traditional court process and aim to address cycles of addiction, co-occurring disorders, criminal behavior, and court involvement. They can provide supervision, support, and treatment focused toward an offender’s needs. Availability and eligibility for alternative programming varies. Learn more about specialty court programs in Multnomah County. If you have questions or concerns about an offender who is in one of these programs, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3222.
Bench probation
When offenders are on bench probation, they are expected to follow conditions ordered by the judge and report to the judge when they have completed the conditions. Conditions could include paying fines, completing treatment, or community service, and not having contact with the victim. A condition for any type of probation is to not engage in any new criminal activity.
Offenders on bench probation do not have a probation officer providing direct supervision. If they are on bench probation for a domestic violence offense, then they may have a court case manager who helps the judge keep track of the case. Even though offenders may not be required to have regular check-ins with a judge, violating conditions set by the judge can result in a hearing and potential consequences. If the offender is not successful on bench probation, they will have a hearing where a judge decides what happens next. It is possible that the judge could order them to be moved to formal probation, where they would report to a probation officer. If you have concerns that someone on bench probation is not following the conditions ordered by the judge, please call the District Attorney’s Office at 503-988-3222.
Formal probation
Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision where the offender is not in jail or prison. Usually the offender lives in the county where they are being supervised. Offenders on probation must follow specific conditions set by the court or their probation officer. Common examples of conditions include staying in contact with a probation officer and participating in treatment programs. It is an automatic condition of supervision that offenders should not do anything else illegal and that any contact with police is reported to their probation officer. Offenders may also have a condition to not have contact with victims or witnesses involved in their case. If they are not successful in meeting these conditions, conditions may be changed or added or they may receive further consequences like additional time in jail or prison. If an offender spends additional time in jail or prison, it is possible that they will return to being supervised when they are released. In some cases, the offender will serve a longer period of time in custody and will not be supervised after they are released.
When a judge sentences an offender to formal probation, they may choose one of several pathways:
- Probation instead of jail: the judge could order the offender to start probation right away after being sentenced
- Jail followed by probation: the offender serves less than one year in jail and starts probation when they are released
When offenders start probation, they go through an intake process. During intake, probation officers explain the conditions that the offender must follow while they are on supervision. The conditions may vary based on the nature of the offense and the level of risk to the survivor or community. Over time, the conditions can be changed based on the offender’s progress while on supervision.
During intake, the offender will be assigned a probation officer in a unit matching the crime type or their needs. For example, it’s likely that someone who is convicted of a crime involving domestic violence will be supervised by a probation officer in the Domestic Violence Unit.
The intake process also includes an assessment where the offender is asked questions about their case and their lives, including their habits, challenges, and support systems. Based on the self-reported answers and risk assessment, the probation officer will determine an appropriate level of supervision for the person, which will determine how often they meet with their probation officer and how often their probation officer comes to their home. The results of the assessment will help the probation officer make a plan for how to support the offender to make changes in their lives and not harm others.
If an offender does not follow the conditions of their supervision, the probation officer can respond in several ways:
- Informal sanctions can include community service, GPS monitoring, or the probation officer meeting with the offender to create a plan for them to follow their conditions
- Formal sanctions require a probation violation hearing where a judge will make a decision about what will happen next. Formal sanctions can include things like additional jail time or extending the probation period. If the offender is not successful on formal probation, it’s possible that the judge could remove them from this type of supervision and order the offender to spend time in custody instead
If the offender fails to maintain contact with their probation officer while they are on probation, their time on supervision does not pause. A warrant may be issued for their arrest, and if the offender is arrested after the date they were supposed to finish supervision, then a judge can decide whether or not to extend the period of supervision.
Parole and Post-Prison Supervision
Parole and Post-Prison Supervision are forms of supervision for offenders who have served time in prison as part of their sentence.
The primary difference between the two is the date when the person was sentenced:
- Parole is for offenders who were sentenced before November 1, 1989
- Post-Prison Supervision is for offenders who were sentenced on or after November 1, 1989
Both forms of supervision are supervised by parole and probation officers at the Department of Community Justice. However, the conditions that the offender must follow while on supervision are set and managed by the Oregon Board of Parole. Common examples of conditions include meeting with a probation officer, participating in treatment programs, and not having contact with victims or witnesses involved in their case.
If an offender does not follow the conditions of their supervision, the probation and parole officer may meet with the offender to make a plan for them to follow their conditions. They may also suggest a consequence like additional jail time, treatment programs, or being GPS monitored. The offender has the right to choose to accept a suggested consequence or request a Morrissey hearing.
The Board of Parole keeps a list of who is a victim in the case. Victims have specific rights during the parole or post-prison supervision process including receiving certain updates, accessing information, and attending hearings. There is a process to request that the Board of Parole recognize additional people as victims. If you would like to be recognized by the Board of Parole as a board victim, please contact the Board of Parole’s Victim Services at 503-945-0907. Learn more about the Board of Parole’s Victim Services.
Additional Information
Short Term Transitional Leave
Short Term Transitional Leave is one type of program that allows people to be released from prison early if they meet certain criteria. The maximum amount of time a person can be on transitional leave is 120 days.
If an offender does not follow the conditions of supervision during the time they are on transitional leave, probation officers may respond in various ways depending on the severity of the violation. Consequences may include returning to prison to complete the remaining sentence.
Earned discharge
There is a law that allows offenders to finish supervision early if they meet certain criteria. Requirements include:
- Completing half of the time they are ordered to be on supervision
- Having no formal violations in the last 6 months
- Paying off restitution (for offenders sentenced before December 31, 2021), or making regular payments towards restitution (for offenders sentenced after January 1, 2022)
If the offender meets the criteria for earned discharge, a probation/parole officer does not have the authority to say the offender cannot end their supervision early. Victims have the right to be notified if an offender is eligible for earned discharge. If you would like to receive this notification, please update your rights request form, or contact an advocate at 503-988-7606.
Financial harm
If you lost money as a direct result of the crime, the court may have ordered the offender to pay you back for your losses. This is called restitution. Offenders on probation, parole, or post-prison supervision are expected to make payments towards restitution as one of the conditions of their supervision.
Probation and parole officers can encourage offenders to find employment, create payment plans, and set expectations around paying restitution. To make payments, the offender will pay an amount to the court, and the court will send the money by check to victims. If you are owed restitution, you should not receive money directly from the offender. Learn more about how to request restitution.
The offender will have the entire period of their supervision to pay restitution. If they reach the date when they are supposed to be off of supervision and they still owe restitution, the debt will automatically be sent to a collections agency by the court. This means that the offender’s wages can be garnished towards restitution. The order for restitution can be enforced for up to 50 years. There is nothing a victim needs to do for this to happen.
Tips for victims: The goal of restitution is to help victims recover from the financial impact of the crime while holding the offender accountable for the harm they have caused. Because restitution is often paid over time, victims can experience financial hardship while waiting for payment. To explore options for support, please reach out to an advocate at 503-988-7606. Learn about resources to support victims.
Types of hearings
There are many types of hearings that may be scheduled for a case. Common types of hearings that happen during the community supervision stage of the criminal justice process are listed below. Each case is unique and may not follow this order. Not every case will have every type of hearing. Upon request, victims have a right to make a statement at certain hearings. Learn about your right to make a statement at certain hearings.
It’s common for hearings about multiple cases to be scheduled at the same time. For example, there may be 10 cases scheduled for a probation violation arraignment hearing at 1:30 PM with the same judge. When this happens, the judge will review the cases one after the other. It may take a few minutes, or hours, before your case is reviewed by the judge. If you plan to attend a hearing, please plan to be at the courthouse for a few hours. For questions or information about hearings while an offender is on supervision, contact Victim and Survivor Services at 503-988-7606.
Tips for victims: Hearings are scheduled in the county where the case occurred. If the crime was prosecuted in Clackamas County, and the offender is being supervised in Multnomah County, the hearing will happen in Clackamas County.
Probation hearings
Status check and sentencing for the Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program (DSP)
Status checks are court hearings scheduled to monitor the offender’s progress in their diversion program. These hearings give the judge an opportunity to review any updates regarding their treatment or attendance. If the offender is meeting the requirements of their program and there are no other updates, the judge may simply schedule another status check and the hearing may be very short. If the offender is not meeting the requirements of their program or there are other concerns, the judge has the opportunity to impose consequences including modifying the terms of supervision, setting a time limit for the offender to reengage, or removing the offender from their diversion program. If the offender is removed from the diversion program, they will be sentenced for the crime, which may include moving to formal probation.
Victims have a right to attend the status check hearings. While status check hearings present an opportunity for a victim to share any concerns with the court, victims can share any concerns they have regarding the offender with the probation officer as they have them. The probation officer or District Attorney’s Office can request additional hearings to address concerns.
At the end of a diversion program, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. If the offender has successfully finished their program, the judge will put on the court record that the original charges associated with their case will be dismissed.
Victims have the right to attend DSP status checks and sentencing hearings. You also have the right to make a statement sharing your experience or any concerns for the court to consider. Learn more about your options to make a statement. You may attend the hearing either in person, by phone, or via video. These hearings are generally held at 9:30 AM at the Multnomah County Courthouse at 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204. These hearings may be scheduled as a part of a larger docket with other cases. This means there may be a wait while the court addresses other cases before yours. On average, each case takes about 10-15 minutes to address.
Probation violation arraignment
When an offender is alleged to have violated the terms of their probation, this hearing is scheduled to notify the offender and to schedule a probation violation hearing to address the alleged violation. Victims have a right to attend probation violation arraignment hearings. If the offender is in custody and the judge will decide if the offender will be released or not, victims have a right to make a statement. You may attend the hearing in person, by phone, or via video. These hearings are held at the Justice Center at 1120 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204. These hearings may be scheduled as a part of a larger docket with other cases. This means there may be a wait while the court addresses other cases before yours.
Probation violation hearings
A hearing where a judge decides if an offender did not follow the rules or conditions of their probation. The judge may consider information provided by the probation officer, District Attorney’s Office, and defense attorney. Victims and other witnesses may receive a subpoena to testify at a probation violation hearing. If the judge finds that the offender broke the rules of their probation, then they will decide on a consequence. Victims have a right to attend and make a statement at probation violation hearings. You may attend the hearing in person, by phone, or via video. These hearings may be held at the Justice Center at 1120 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 or at the Multnomah County Courthouse at 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204. The timing of these hearings varies. Hearings may be scheduled as a part of a larger docket with other cases. This means there may be a wait while the court addresses other cases before yours.
Hearings to modify the conditions of release
These hearings present an opportunity for the offender or victim to request that a judge change the conditions that the offender must follow while on supervision. Changes could include adding addresses where the offender is not supposed to go, adjusting conditions due to housing or employment, removing or lightening some conditions, or modifying no-contact conditions or protective measures. Victims have a right to attend and make statements at these hearings.
Parole or post-prison supervision hearings
Morrissey hearing
If a probation or parole officer thinks an offender on parole or post-prison supervision did not follow the rules or conditions of their supervision, they will propose a consequence. If the offender agrees to the consequence, a hearing is not scheduled. If the offender does not agree, a Morrisey hearing is scheduled so a board or hearings officer can review evidence and testimony to decide what the next steps will be. It is possible that the offender could receive consequences such as a modification of the rules they must follow, community service, or other sanctions. Victims have the right to attend and make a statement at Morrissey hearings. If you have questions about Morrissey hearings, please contact Victim and Survivor Services at 503-988-7606.
Additional hearing information
Hearings for relief from the requirement to report as a sex offender, or for reclassification of a sex offender
Some offenders who must register as a sex offender can ask to no longer have to register as a sex offender. To be able to make such a request, the offender must meet specific criteria and have been off supervision for a period of time. In these hearings, the following is often considered:
- Whether the offender continues to pose a threat to public safety
- Whether the offender has consistently followed their supervision and reporting requirements
- Evidence of successful completion of treatment programs
- Input from victims
Victims have a right to attend and make statements at these hearings. Learn about Victim Services with the Board of Parole.
Expunction hearings
A court proceeding where the offender asks the judge to erase a conviction or certain records from their criminal history. If the judge approves the request, the record is removed and information related to the record can no longer be requested by the public. At the hearing, the judge will typically review legal requirements for expunction, the length of time since the conviction, and if the District Attorney’s Office or victim disagree with the expunction. Victims have the right to attend and make a statement at expunction hearings. If you request notification of hearings that happen after the case resolves, the District Attorney’s Office will notify you if an expunction hearing is scheduled. You may select or make changes to the rights you’d like to request through the Case Companion portal at any time.
People involved in court hearings
There are many people involved in a court hearing. Below is a list of people that may be at a court hearing.
Defendant
In the court process, the offender or person being charged with a crime is called a “defendant.” The court assumes the “defendant” is innocent of the crime until they are found guilty.
Defense attorney
A lawyer who represents the offender and protects the offender’s rights. Their job is to help the offender understand the court process and fight the charges against the offender.
District Attorney’s Office and deputy district attorney
A government office led by an elected official called the district attorney that represents the state of Oregon in a criminal case. The elected district attorney oversees a group of attorneys, called deputy district attorneys, who are responsible for charging offenders with crimes and presenting evidence to the court to prove the offender is guilty. The attorneys that work in this office do not represent the victim.
Judge
A person who ensures that everyone follows the rules in a courtroom. The judge makes decisions for the court.
Witness
A person that has information related to the case. Witnesses may be required to testify in court hearings by answering questions from both the defense attorney and the District Attorney's Office.
Victim
Oregon law defines a victim as any person the court or an attorney from the District Attorney’s Office finds has experienced financial, mental, or physical harm as a result of the crime. If the victim is under the age of 18, the victim’s parent or legal guardian may be considered a victim. If the victim lost their life as a result of the crime, the victim’s immediate family may be considered victims. The victim of the crime may also be a witness in the case.
Victim rights attorney
A lawyer hired by the victim to help the victim understand the court process and ensure their rights are upheld. It is optional to hire a victim rights attorney, and is not required for the case to move forward. Visit our resource page for information about victim rights attorneys in Multnomah County.
Advocacy
The Victim and Survivor Services Unit at the Department of Community Justice is dedicated to supporting people who have experienced harm by thoughtfully meeting their individual needs, upholding victim rights, and enhancing our community’s response to harm. Connecting with an advocate is optional.
People harmed by someone on supervision with the Department of Community Justice can receive advocacy and support. Advocates can provide:
- Information about the criminal justice process
- Information about victim rights
- Safety planning
- Court support
- Culturally specific advocacy
- Information about support and resources. Learn more about support for victims
Support from probation officers
Probation and parole officers play an important role in supervising offenders and addressing safety concerns. Connecting with a probation officer is optional.
Probation officers can support you by:
- Sharing some information about an offender’s supervision status or compliance with their conditions
- Considering your concerns about someone they are supervising
- Engaging with you in planning around your safety
Probation officers are able to create probation violation reports, but they are not able to charge an offender with a new crime. If you believe the offender has committed a new crime, reach out to police. Learn more about reporting a crime.
Glossary of terms
Oregon law defines a victim as any person the court or an attorney from the District Attorney’s Office finds has experienced financial, mental, or physical harm as a result of a crime. The victim of the crime may also be a witness in the case. If the victim is under the age of 18, the victim’s parent or legal guardian may also be considered a victim. If the victim lost their life as a result of the crime, the victim’s immediate family may also be considered victims. Back to content.
A person who supports crime victims. Advocates can work with a justice system agency or with a community organization. Their job is to help you understand the justice system and your rights, to attend court with you, to offer emotional support, and to connect you with resources to meet your needs. Advocate services are always free. Visit our resource page for information about advocate services in Multnomah County. Back to content.
A hearing where the offender is notified by the judge that they are being charged with a crime. The offender is asked to enter their plea to the charges. It is most common to enter a plea of "not guilty." If the offender was arrested for the crime and is still in jail, the judge will make a decision regarding the potential for their release. The judge could choose to release them with no conditions, some conditions, or only if they pay bail. In some violent cases, the judge may deny the offender's release. You have the right to make a statement at this hearing. Your statement can include concerns about your safety and conditions you want the judge to order. Back to content.
The offender is released from jail and has been asked to sign a release agreement where they agree to obey all laws and to come to future court hearings for their case. Depending on the crime, the agreement may also include no contact with the victim. Back to content.
When an offender admits that there is enough evidence for a judge or jury to find them guilty of some or all charges without admitting they committed the crime. Back to content.
A hearing where a judge decides the punishment for the offender. You have a right to make a statement at this hearing. You also have a right to have your schedule considered when determining the date and time of a sentencing hearing. Back to content.
The District Attorney’s Office determines if a charge is a felony or a misdemeanor based on the information they have about the crime. A felony is often more severe and may have a greater sentence than a misdemeanor. When an offender is charged with a felony, a Grand Jury must review the charge to determine if there is enough evidence to support the case moving forward in the court process. Back to content.
Financial losses experienced by a victim as a result of a crime. Such losses may include things like: damage to property, the insurance deductible for a stolen car, lost wages due to the crime, ambulance bills, medical or counseling costs, medications, stolen money, or fees to change bank accounts. The victim must fill out paperwork to show their financial losses and include supporting documents such as estimates, bills or receipts. All restitution paperwork and supporting documents are shared with the offender’s attorney. If all parties agree on the restitution amount at the sentencing hearing, the offender will be ordered to pay the agreed upon amount. If restitution is not agreed upon, a restitution hearing will be scheduled within 90 days of sentencing. At a restitution hearing, the judge will decide if the loss was caused by the offender as a result of the crime and the amount of restitution the offender is ordered to pay. Victims may be required to attend restitution hearings. The District Attorney’s Office must be able to prove that the offender actually caused the damage. Back to content.
A person that has information related to the case. Witnesses may be required to testify in court hearings by answering questions from both the defense attorney and the District Attorney's Office. Back to content.
A legal order by a judge that tells law enforcement what to do when they come into contact with the offender. Back to content.
An agency run by the state of Oregon that sets release dates for offenders who are eligible for parole, sets rules of supervision for offenders that were sentenced to prison, and sets the notification level for offenders who are convicted of a sex crime. Back to content.
A person named by the Oregon Board of Parole as a victim for a particular case. Board Victims may or may not have been included as a victim by the court in this particular case. Back to content.
A lawyer who represents the offender and protects the offender’s rights. Their job is to help the offender understand the court process and fight the charges against the offender. Back to content.
A legal court document that requires you to attend a court hearing. If you receive a subpoena, it means you may have to testify in court by answering questions about the case. Even if you have limited information regarding an incident, you may receive a subpoena. Back to content.
When a person participates in a court hearing by answering questions and sharing information related to the case. Before a person testifies, they are sworn in, which means they make a promise to tell the court the truth. When a person testifies, they sit at the front of the courtroom near the judge. Back to content.
Information that helps prove or disprove that an offender committed a crime. This may include the police collecting items such as pictures, recordings, text messages, weapons, records or interviews with the offender, victims, or witnesses. Back to content.
Opportunities to engage in activities that support the community. Back to content.
This page was produced by Multnomah County under grant number 15POVC-21-GK-01091-NONF, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.